Orthopedist explains what factors determine when Kristaps Porzingis could return to Knicks from ACL tear

A local orthopedist and knee specialist is optimistic Kristaps Porzingis will make a full recovery from the torn left ACL he suffered in the Knicks' loss to the Bucks Tuesday night.

But the timetable for Porzingis' return to the court is less concrete and can vary anywhere from six to 12 months, according to Dr. Armin Tehrany, the founder of Manhattan Orthopedic Care.

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"The success rate in NBA athletes is very, very good. So we should expect that he'll do very well, as others have in the past," Tehrany said. "In terms of how quickly he can get back, that depends on a few different factors — the severity of the injury, how stiff he is now, and how well the post-op rehab goes."

Porzingis, who was named to his first All-Star Game last month, sustained the injury when he landed awkwardly on his left knee after finishing a dunk in the second quarter. He underwent an MRI at the hospital after leaving the Garden, which confirmed he had a torn ACL.

Tehrany said the next few days will be crucial in Porzingis' recovery, as swelling will determine how soon surgeons can operate on the knee.

It's possible there is other damage to the knee, outside of just a torn ACL, and that will also be a big factor in the timetable, Tehrany said.

Kristaps Porzingis clutches his knee after a fall against the Bucks. (Mary Altaffer/AP)

Guards Derrick Rose and Dante Exum both needed 14 months to return from their respective ACL tears. Zach LaVine made his debut for the Bulls in January after missing a little more than 11 months with the same injury.

"We are assuming that it's just the ACL that's torn. Assuming that it's only the ACL and nothing else, then the question is how swollen his knee is at this time," Tehrany said of Porzingis. "If the knee is very swollen and he doesn't have full motion yet, it would be helpful to wait until his motion if perfect. If his motion is excellent now, then we could operate sooner."

Porzingis can begin the rehab process "right away" after surgery, according to Tehrany.

"He can walk on the leg using assistance and a brace," Tehrany said. "Range of motion and gentle strengthening also begin right away. Running usually does start at around three months. Shooting the ball can usually begin around that time as well."

Tehrany also said that Porzingis' support system will be paramount during his rehabilitation, as regaining confidence in the knee is just as important as re-establishing the physical health of the joint.

The Knicks traded away Porzingis' best friend, center Willy Hernangomez, to the Hornets on Wednesday.

"It's very important not only for the surgery to be successful," Tehrany said,"but also for the support team that the player has to be strong."